Expert-Guided Scalloping Adventure in Crystal River

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Crystal River, FL
$350 - $750 price range
Updated Date: September 8, 2025

Summary

Captain Mike's 4-hour scalloping trip in Crystal River, FL is a fun day out on the water for all skill levels. You'll head to shallow, clear areas where scallops are plentiful. The captain provides masks, snorkels, and fins, so you just need to bring yourself and be ready to get in the water. As you search for scallops, you'll likely spot other marine life and learn about the local ecosystem from the captain. It's a hands-on experience – you'll be diving down to collect your own scallops from the sea floor. The small group size makes it great for families or a few friends. Keep in mind that while most of the time is spent scalloping, weather and conditions can affect how many you find. By the end of the trip, you'll have gained a new skill and hopefully have a nice haul of fresh scallops to take home. Remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date carefully.

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Crystal Clear Scalloping in Florida's Hidden Gem

Ready for a seafood adventure like no other? Join Captain Mike on a 4-hour scalloping charter in the crystal-clear shallows of Crystal River, FL. This hands-on trip is perfect for anyone looking to combine snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and the thrill of harvesting your own fresh scallops. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you'll have a blast combing the grass flats for these tasty bivalves. Plus, with all the gear provided and Captain Mike's expert guidance, you can focus on having fun and filling your bag with Nature's Coast bounty.

Dive Into the Experience

Picture yourself gliding through warm, waist-deep water, scanning the sea grass below for the telltale blue eyes of scallops. That's what you're in for on this top-rated Crystal River scalloping trip. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand and will take you straight to the most productive scallop beds. You'll spend about 3 hours in the water, with breaks as needed. The shallow depth makes it easy for swimmers of all levels, and the clear water means great visibility for spotting scallops and other marine life. Keep an eye out for manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of fish species that call these waters home.

Scalloping 101

Never been scalloping before? No worries! Captain Mike will give you the rundown on everything you need to know. You'll be outfitted with a mask, snorkel, and fins (all included in your trip). The technique is simple: float face-down on the surface, scanning the sea grass below. When you spot a scallop, dive down and scoop it up into your mesh bag. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt! The key is to look for their bright blue eyes peeking out from between the grass blades. Captain Mike will show you how to identify legal-sized scallops and respect bag limits to ensure sustainable harvesting.

Beyond the Scallops

While scalloping is the main event, this trip offers so much more. You'll get an up-close look at the rich ecosystem of Crystal River. Spot graceful stingrays gliding by, watch osprey diving for fish, or marvel at schools of mullet leaping out of the water. Captain Mike is a wealth of knowledge about local marine life and is always happy to share interesting facts about the creatures you encounter. This trip is as much about connecting with nature as it is about filling your cooler with scallops.

What's the Catch?

Now, let's talk about the other fish you might encounter on this trip. While scalloping is the focus, Crystal River is home to some fantastic inshore fishing opportunities. Here's a breakdown of some target species you might spot or even catch if you decide to drop a line:

Brook Trout: Wait, trout in Florida? You bet! The Crystal River area is one of the few places in Florida where you can find these beautiful fish. They love the cool, clear spring-fed waters and put up a great fight on light tackle. These aren't your typical mountain stream trout – the local variety can grow up to 5 pounds!

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like human teeth, sheepshead are a unique catch. They hang around structure like docks and oyster bars, using those teeth to crunch up crustaceans. They're crafty bait stealers, so hooking one is always satisfying. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating.

King Mackerel: While you won't catch these speedsters in the shallows where you're scalloping, you might spot them leaping offshore. Kings are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They typically show up in the warmer months and can grow over 50 pounds – talk about a trophy fish!

Redfish: A true Florida inshore staple, redfish (also known as red drum) are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Look for their copper-colored bodies and distinctive black spot on the tail. They love to cruise the flats and grass beds where you'll be scalloping, so keep an eye out for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows.

Cobia: These curious fish are often mistaken for sharks at first glance due to their similar shape. Cobia are known to follow larger marine life like rays and turtles, so if you spot one of those while scalloping, a cobia might not be far behind. They're strong fighters and can grow over 100 pounds, though the ones you'll see inshore are usually in the 20-40 pound range.

Time to Dive In!

Ready to try your hand at scalloping in one of Florida's best-kept secrets? Captain Mike's Crystal River Scalloping Charter Trip is the perfect way to spend a day on the water. You'll come away with a cooler full of fresh scallops (and maybe a fish story or two), unforgettable memories, and a new appreciation for Florida's coastal ecosystem. Whether you're a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor wanting to experience the real Florida, this trip delivers. Don't miss out on this seasonal opportunity – scallop season typically runs from July through September. Book your spot with Captain Mike today and get ready for a day of fun in the sun and surf. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite summer tradition!

Customer Review

Learn more about the animals

Brook Trout

Brook trout are a beautiful freshwater fish, typically 8-24 inches long and weighing 1-9 pounds. You'll find them in cold, clean streams and lakes with temperatures below 68°F. These fish love hiding near fallen trees and boulders in shallow areas. Spring and fall are prime seasons for brook trout fishing. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their spirited fight and stunning colors - olive-green backs with yellow spots and distinctive red spots circled in blue. For the best chance at landing one, try fly fishing with a long rod. Place your fly precisely in tight spots near overhanging trees. If you're using bait, go for a small spinner with a worm. Brook trout are pretty sensitive to their environment, so finding them usually means you've discovered a pristine fishing spot. They're also great eating fish, but make sure to check local regulations before keeping any.

Cobia

Cobia are like the oddballs of our local waters. They're big, usually 6 feet long and up to 100 pounds, with a shark-like appearance that often fools anglers. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys, usually in 30 feet of water or less. Late spring and summer are prime times when they migrate through. Anglers love cobia for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They're not schooling fish, so spotting one is always exciting. To catch a cobia, try sight fishing - look for them just below the surface. Bucktail jigs are a favorite lure, but live eels work great too. Here's a tip: if you see one, cast quickly. They're curious fish and will often investigate your bait if you can get it in front of them fast enough. Just be ready for a long, tough fight when you hook up!

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or "kings" as we call 'em, are speed demons of the sea. They usually weigh around 30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in waters 40 to 150 feet deep, with the big ones often hanging out in harbors and inlets. Kings love warm water, so summer and early fall are prime times to target them. Anglers go nuts for kings because of their blistering runs - they're only matched by wahoo for pure speed. They're also great eating, though watch out for the mercury content. To catch one, try trolling with large planers and heavy tackle. If you're using live bait, here's a tip: use a two-hook rig. Put one in the bait's mouth and let the other dangle behind. Kings often bite the back half of the bait, so this setup improves your hookup ratio. Just be ready for a fight when one hits - it'll be like hooking a freight train!

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite around here. They typically run 28-33 inches when fully grown, but can get much bigger. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out! Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and in lagoons. They love muddy bottoms and hang around old piers and jetties too. Fall is prime time for redfish, when they school up for spawning. Anglers love 'em for their strong fight and great taste on the table. To catch one, work the shallows with topwater lures for some explosive strikes. Here's a local tip: on really sunny days, look for their copper-colored bodies flashing in the shallows. They're easier to spot than you might think. Just remember, there are size limits to protect the population, so make sure you know the regs before keeping any.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are odd-looking fish with a set of chompers that'll make you do a double-take. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but can get up to 20 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find these striped "convict fish" around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. They're most active in spring when they form big spawning groups. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. These guys are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. For best results, use natural bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Here's a local tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick. The sheepshead will come right to you. Just remember, they've got tough scales and spines, so be careful when cleaning them.

About the Carolina Skiff

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for a fun day out on the water with Captain Mike as your guide on this 4-hour scalloping trip in Crystal River. Perfect for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike, you'll dive into the clear, shallow waters in search of tasty scallops. Don't worry about bringing gear - masks, snorkels, and fins are all provided. As you hunt for scallops, keep an eye out for the colorful marine life that calls these waters home. Captain Mike knows all the best spots and will share interesting facts about the local ecosystem. With room for just a small group, this trip offers a personal touch whether you're with friends or family. Remember, deposits can't be refunded, so pick a day you're sure to make it. Get ready to make some great memories and maybe even bring home a delicious dinner!

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